Different intravenous iron formulations for anemia in IBD

A study in the latest issue of the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics compares the efficacy and tolerability of different intravenous iron formulations for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with reduced quality of life and increased hospitalization rates.

While the best way of treating iron deficiency anemia in IBD patients is not clearly established, current European guidelines recommend intravenous iron therapy in IBD patients with severe anemia or intolerance to oral iron compounds.

Dr Stein and colleagues from Germany compared the efficacy and tolerability of different intravenous iron formulations used to treat iron deficiency anemia in IBD patients in a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis.

In 2016, the researchers systematically searched for studies analysing efficacy and safety of intravenous iron for iron deficiency anemia therapy in IBD.